The Fort Worth Democrat, who is expected to announce for governor Thursday, said during a Texas Tribune Festival appearance that she favors granting driver's licenses to immigrants in the country illegally, citing business backing for the idea.

She said she is for re-regulating college tuition rates only if the state steps up to the plate with the money needed to subsidize the move, since tuition revenue supports higher education programs.

Davis touted the need for more investment in public education, including making pre-kindergarten available to all students.

She didn't hesitate to rule out increases in sales and property taxes, saying she would veto such increases if in a position to do so. But she also said that leaders need to look at things like whether billions of dollars in tax exemptions are appropriate.

Davis is best-known for her filibuster against tighter abortion regulations but has signaled before, and did so again Sunday, that she'll have a much broader message if she makes a widely expected run for governor that would include a heavy emphasis on education and economic development.

“If we fail to come together and do the right things for public education and higher education, this wonderful story that we tell about the health and vibrancy of the Texas economy is likely to begin to crumble,” Davis said.

An estimated 1,000 people showed up for the event at the University of Texas, with many unable to enter the auditorium but given access to an overflow area.

Davis faces a hard fight, one that some think is unwinnable for a Democrat, if she enters the governor's race, in which Attorney General Greg Abbott is the Republican favored to succeed Rick Perry. Democrats haven't won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

The scrutiny will be intense and the rhetoric beyond high-octane. She already has been called “Abortion Barbie” by some in the GOP, while others have suggested the Harvard Law graduate is stupid, and a kerfuffle ensued when Abbott thanked a Twitter supporter who called her “retard Barbie.” Abbott later said he is opposed to such language and hadn't read that part of the tweet before responding.

“I am capable of withstanding all kinds of heat, all kinds of nastiness in order to try to deliver what I think is an important message for people who feel like they're not being heard,” said Davis, who took questions from the Texas Tribune's chief executive officer and editor in chief, Evan Smith, and audience members.

Davis, in response to a question about whether she supports such licenses for “undocumented immigrants,” said she does. She pointed out that such legislation was considered in the Legislature this year and was backed by businesses. She said it's important that the license show whether a person is a citizen. Legislation to allow driving permits this year was pitched as a benefit for law enforcement that would allow people to get insurance.

The heat from the Abbott camp was immediate regarding Davis' view on driver's licenses.

“It's telling that Wendy Davis' economic development platform includes giving driver's licenses to people here illegally. This is the typical Obama-style approach that Texans can expect from Wendy Davis,” said Abbott spokesman Matt Hirsch. “Attorney General Abbott supports current Texas law that requires a person to prove their legal status to be issued an original license or a personal ID card.”

Abbott often takes a combative tone toward the federal government and has sued it numerous times. Asked about that, Davis said, “That kind of acrimony makes for great political theater, but it doesn't solve real problems of real people.”

But Davis also had a ready example when asked whether there was an issue on which she parted ways with the Obama administration. She pointed to its opposition to the American Airlines-US Airways merger. She supports the merger, but Abbott is siding with Obama on that issue. Davis paints it as a jobs issue, while Abbott says in opposing it that it would violate anti-trust laws, hurt consumers and reduce service.

Davis' interview followed a panel on efforts to make Texas competitive for Democrats that included Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, a San Antonio Democrat who's talked up as a potential candidate for lieutenant governor.

The crowd expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of a Van de Putte run, but she suggested she'll wait until after Davis' announcement to disclose her plans. She said her family is divided on whether she should run after a sorrowful year that saw the deaths of her infant grandson, father and mother-in-law. She also said, however, that she wants to see new leadership in the state to ensure opportunity for its children.

Van de Putte was surrounded after her panel by a throng of supporters, including many women, some seeking photos with her.

“Ladies,” she said, “we are going to need all of you.”

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac

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